KOTA TINGGI: The selection of Barisan Nasional’s candidates was made based on the coalition’s experience in the constituencies, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic).

The Umno vice-president said that the 108 candidates in the upcoming state polls in the six states have been tasked with an important mission: bringing the party’s enthusiasm and the voices of the rakyat together.

“Most of these constituencies are areas where we have had experience winning easily before, and there are also locations where we are faced with intense competition.

“But all of these are the norm in political elections,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled, who is also Higher Education Minister, said this when met by reporters after the launching ceremony of the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris’ Smart Home Schooling at SMK Tan Sri Jaafar Albar, Sedili, here on Saturday (July 22).

Asked to comment on the party’s confidence in its fielded candidates, Mohamed Khaled said that he hoped that the candidates would receive support and votes from the people.

“Every political party that enters the elections will surely go for the win,” he added.

Asked to comment on Barisan’s decision to field former Negri Sembilan mentri besar Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad’s son and wife in the state, Mohamed Khaled said both candidates are qualified to contest based on their position in the party.

“Both of them are also contesting in different locations,” he said.

On former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's presence in the Perikatan Nasional ceramah in Kelantan on Friday (July 21), Mohamed Khaled said there is nothing to be worried about in the matter.

“He could not get on stage with Barisan and Pakatan Harapan, that’s why he is there,” he quipped.

Mohd Isa's son, Mohd Najib, who is Port Dickson Umno deputy chief, will contest in Bagan Pinang.

His wife, Puan Sri Bibi Sharliza Mohd Khaled, who is Negri Wanita Umno chief, will contest in Juasseh.

Nominations for the state elections will be on July 29 and polling will be on Aug 12.